Though CFNR's official foundation day on April 19 is still a few months away, it seems that the College can barely contain its collective excitement as it commenced the countdown to its weeklong centennial celebration on April 18-22. Its centennial kick-off ceremony showcased the College's pride and unique flair - from the traditional parade, a symbolic torch lighting ceremony featuring the College's "Power 100", the release of 100 floating lanterns, well-orchestrated and inspired performances of select CFNR staff, and the show of force of CFNR faculty, students, alumni and friends who all came to make the event truly memorable.

After the opening prayers and introduction of different offices, units and student organizations of the College who assembled en masse in front of the College's administration building, CFNR Dean Rex Victor Cruz took the stage to welcome and thank everyone who came to celebrate with them. He said that the event is very special because it will usher in the next 100 years of the College. He is also confident that together they will face all the challenges relating to the forestry profession in the future.

Atty. Roberto Oliva, CFNR Alumni Association president, provided an inspirational message that further stoked the pride of all College constituents. According to Atty. Oliva, CFNR students are more fortunate than other University students because they have been given the opportunity to be close to nature and to Mt. Makiling. He also underscored the essence of the celebrations. "This is not just about celebrating our College's 100 years but giving back to our country and alma mater," he said. He also announced the many activities lined-up for the centennial foundation and alumni homecoming week. These include the unveiling of a centennial marker, green parade and street dancing, centennial foundation day convocation, centennial ball and awarding of outstanding alumni, centennial jubilarian's night and a grand centennial alumni homecoming convocation.

Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco, who was a special guest during the centennial kick-off ceremonies, congratulated the College for its accomplishment. "100 years is always monumental. CFNR is one of the pioneer colleges in UPLB. Without it, UPLB wouldn't be what it is today," according to the Chancellor. He also expressed hopes that the present generation of CFNR students will never forget their founding fathers who built the College. "As we cross the barrier, the challenges are numerous but it can be overcome," he added. Chancellor Velasco also made a special mention about the Nobel Prize awardees who came from CFNR and said that it is always a source of pride for the College and the University.

After the inspirational talks, CFNR faculty Dr. Felix Eslava announced the various contests lined-up including essay writing, song, photography and poetry-writing contests.

After the conclusion of the program came the much-awaited symbolic torch lighting ceremony led by Chancellor Velasco and Dean Cruz. They were followed by the Power 100, comprised of select CFNR faculty, alumni, students and friends, who each took a torch and lit up the word candle-filled CFNR.

The torch lighting ceremony was followed by a rather unique spectacle: the release of the 100 floating lanterns - which were actually special balloons attached with neon released in the sky after a rousing and heartfelt singing of the CFNR hymn by everyone present in the program.(MJC de Roma)